Colombia
A land of Diversity, Colombia has a unique mix of cultures, languages, dialects, landscapes, culinary and an almost infinite amount of natural resources
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: You must be between 14.10 and 18 years old
- Language: A1 Spanish required
- School Enrolment Status: Enrolled students and graduates are eligible
- Dietary: Vegetarians are hard to place
What's included in your experience
- Airfare
- Airport Pick-up
- Host Family Placement
- Housing
- Meals
- School Placement
- Individual Contact Person
- Medical Insurance
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- School Transport
- Assistance with Application Process
- Visa Application Assistance
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Orientations during your time abroad
- Continuous Support
- Worldwide Presence
- 70 Years Experience
What you are responsible for
- Vaccinations
- Cultural Tours
- Visa and Passport Fees
- Stipend
- School Uniform
People & Community
Your extended host family will play a major role in your spare time activities and intercultural experience in Colombia. Colombian families can be very conservative and protective of their children, no matter how old they are. You should always tell your parents what you are going to do and ask permission.
Language
Spanish is the main language spoken in Colombia. You should have a basic knowledge of Spanish before the program, and AFS will provide you with links and materials to help you improve your Spanish.
School
You can attend either a public or private school in Colombia. Depending on the school, the academic year may follow Calendar A (from February until November, which is more frequent) or Calendar B (from August until June). Classes run from Monday to Friday and the hours differ depending on the school. All high school students wear uniforms. Extracurricular activities are offered in some schools and most schools provide bus service in the morning and afternoon.
Food
Food in Colombia is rich in carbohydrates, and meals usually consist of meat, potato, rice, beans and patacon (fried banana). Fruit juices are very popular and you are likely to be surprised by the diversity of fruit available.
Ready to Start your Colombian Adventure?
Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure
With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact.